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Tesla Motors has announced a new policy aimed at users hogging superchargers in order to improve access for all Tesla users to the charging stations. In the recent times, Tesla users have expressed their concerns about access to superchargers. Tesla Motors has been improving its supercharging network but the issue at times is also caused by some users leaving their cars at terminals even after they have been fully charged. Tesla announced a fee of 40 cents per minute on users leaving their car on the charging point for more than 5 minutes after their vehicle has been charged.

Tesla issued an official statement regarding fee on users hogging superchargers. The company said that it hopes to ‘never make money from this system’ but also aims to send a message to users to leave supercharging stations after their car has been fully charged. This will enable other users to make use of the charging station.

Tesla started setting up its charging stations in year 2012. The company currently operates 769 stations in the United States and Canada. With supercharging technology, Tesla users have been able to charge their vehicles at a much faster rate compared to earlier technology. Earlier Tesla buyers have been given lifetime free access to Tesla supercharging stations. It was obvious that the charging stations would get clogged as the company sold more vehicles over all these years.

For upcoming Model 3, Tesla already has 400,000 reservations. The company is increasing its capacity to meet the ever rising demand for Tesla vehicles. However, the number of charging stations hasn’t grown at the same pace. By year 2017, Tesla aims to double the number of charging stations on its network.

Also, Tesla announced in November that starting 2017, Tesla buyers will have to pay for access to supercharging stations. The company has not shared the details about charges for new Tesla buyers.

Setting an idling fee seems like a good solution to deal with people misusing charging stations. But, considering the fast acceptance of Tesla vehicles, increasing the number of charging stations should also be a priority for Tesla Motors.

Tesla currently informs users about the status of charging on their smartphone. For most of the users, it won’t be a trouble to pick up their vehicle within five minutes, once it has been fully charged.

Clarifying on the newest policy, Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted, “We are going to modify this so that people only pay a fee if most bays are occupied. If the site is basically deserted, no problem to park.”

The official statement from Tesla Motors informed, “We envision a future where cars move themselves once fully charged, enhancing network efficiency and the customer experience even further. Until then, we ask that vehicles be moved from the Supercharger once fully charged. A customer would never leave a car parked by the pump at a gas station and the same thinking applies with Superchargers.”

The statement issued by Tesla Motors further informed....

We designed the Supercharger network to enable a seamless, enjoyable road trip experience. Therefore, we understand that it can be frustrating to arrive at a station only to discover fully charged Tesla cars occupying all the spots. To create a better experience for all owners, we’re introducing a fleet-wide idle fee that aims to increase Supercharger availability.

The Tesla app allows owners to remotely monitor their vehicle, alerting them when their charge is nearly complete and again once fully charged. For every additional minute a car remains connected to the Supercharger, it will incur a $0.40 idle fee. If the car is moved within 5 minutes, the fee is waived. To be clear, this change is purely about increasing customer happiness and we hope to never make any money from it.

All Model S and Model X cars can incur idle fees. You will be billed for any idle fees incurred at your next Service Center visit. Idle fees only apply to Superchargers and not destination charging locations.